No answer yet on Miami Heat’s bid for Ray Allen

Celtics free agent guard Ray Allen, who is seriously considering an offer from the Heat, met with team president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra in Miami on Thursday afternoon, then went to dinner with Heat officials on Thursday night, including Alonzo Mourning, team CEO Nick Arison, Riley, and Spoelstra.

Celtics free agent guard Ray Allen, who is seriously considering an offer from the Heat, met with team president Pat Riley and coach Erik Spoelstra in Miami on Thursday afternoon, then went to dinner with Heat officials on Thursday night, including Alonzo Mourning, team CEO Nick Arison, Riley, and Spoelstra.

Allen is expected to make a decision soon about his future.

The Heat can pay Allen no more than $9.1 million over three years. The Celtics reportedly are offering the 10-time All Star a contract worth $12 million over two years.

The Los Angeles Clippers canceled Allen’s planned Friday visit after agreeing to a four-year deal with Jamal Crawford. Minnesota and Memphis also have pursued Allen, but the Heat and Celtics are the top contenders.

Also, forward Rashard Lewis will visit the Heat on Saturday, and Miami “is one of his final couple choices,” agent Tony Dutt said.

Lewis - who also has drawn interest from the Knicks, Spurs and Hawks – is intrigued by Miami and wants to recapture his previous form after a knee injury limited him to 28 games last season. A career 38.8 percent three-point shooter, Lewis, 32, isn’t necessarily opposed to taking the $1.3 million veteran’s minimum because he will pocket $13.7 million next season from a Hornets buyout.

The Heat also has contacted representation for Lakers center/power forward Jordan Hill and likely would pursue him, among others, if Allen passes on Miami’s offer.